Patients of accused oncologist to meet in Rochester Hills

It's been about two weeks since federal officials announced the arrest of an Oakland Township cancer doctor, and the scores of people affected by the case now have avenues to share their stories with others.

Geraldine Parkin has launched a support page on Facebook for Dr. Farid Fata's patients and their family members, and she's also organizing a meet and greet in Rochester Hills.

Patients and/or their family members are invited to the meet and greet, which will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Concorde Inn, 1919 Star Batt Drive in Rochester Hills.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP either via the "Patients & Families Treated by Dr Fata" Facebook page or by calling the Concorde Inn at 248-299-1210, Parkin said.

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Fata has been in custody since Aug. 6, when the FBI conducted raids on his home and offices. He is accused of Medicare fraud and prescribing chemotherapy and other treatments to patients who did not need it or would not benefit from it.

Parkin said Fata diagnosed her husband, Tim, with lymphoma.

"By the third treatment, he was telling Tim, 'It looks real good for you. It's getting better.' He put him on remission and we thought he was the greatest thing," Parkin said.

But after hearing the accusations against Fata, as well as an Oxford man's story that was in Sunday's Oakland Press, the Parkins reflected on Fata's care.

"Tim said he can now see some things and is questioning some things now," Parkin said. "Our story is almost identical with (Fred) Swan."

Swan, from Oxford, told The Oakland Press that Fata prescribed nearly three times as much Rituxan as was recommended by the American Cancer Society. Rituxan is a drug used for maintenance for patients who are in remission.

Tim Parkin was on Rituxan for two years.

"He does have some side effects, but I'm glad he's still with us," Parkin said.

Judging by the stories that others have shared in the media and on the Facebook page, Parkin said her family's case "could've been much worse."

Many people have appreciated having an avenue to speak with others affected by the Fata case, Parkin said.

"I get a lot of comments like, 'Thanks. It helps with the healing process. It helps to talk about it,'" Parkin said.

"I tell them it's kind of like having a shoulder to lean on. Every few days I throw a group hug out there."

A grand jury indicted Fata in a statement that the doctor knowingly and willfully executed and attempted to execute a scheme to defraud Medicare. Fata was jailed and his bond was set at $9 million.

As of Monday afternoon, about 150 people had RSVP'd for Wednesday's meeting, which will feature members of the FBI, a grief counselor and attorneys.

Officials will not be able to discuss details of the ongoing investigation, Parkin said.

The Concorde Inn will provide coffee and water, and Parkin is hoping to have snacks donated.

Echoing sentiments shared by some others who have contacted The Oakland Press, Parkin said Fata could've been wealthy without the use of any alleged fraud.

"He could've been a billionaire anyway," she said. "He's very soft spoken, very kind -- a gentle, caring person, or so we all thought."

Parkin said she and her husband went as far as to recommend Fata to other patients.

"He would have been a billionaire, and then he let greed set in," she said.